Richard N. Blask, age 81 of Freeport, IL, passed away at home Saturday, December 24, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was born March 10, 1935; the son of the late Gabriel and Viola (Nack) Blask. He graduated from Freeport High School with the class of 1954. Richard served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957 as a cook stationed in Fort Sill, OK. He married Judith Broughton in 1955. He later married Nancy Boeck on August 11, 1984; she passed on December 3, 2013.
Richard worked for the Freeport Park Dist. as maintenance and also Deputy Park Ranger. He then went on to work for Skoog Landscaping in Chadwick, IL and later worked for the Beloit Pipeline (Northern Pipeline) until retiring in 1994. He and his wife, Nancy also owned and operated Happy's Place in Kent, IL. He was a former member of the Elks Club in Freeport. Richard enjoyed fishing, bowling, dancing, socializing and especially cooking. He also enjoyed playing euchre and horseshoes. He loved to listen to the Flame Band. He also loved Krape Park where he would ice skate and feed the animals. Christmas was his favorite holiday and he enjoyed spending time with his family.
He is survived by three daughters, Alicia (Joe) Payette of Shannon, IL and their children, Daniel & Aaron; Angela (William) Dux of Appleton, WI and their children, Bryce & Evan; Amber Boeck and her children Michael and his children Chayse & Brooklyn, Alexis and her daughter Brielle, and Casey; two sons, Michael (Joell) Boeck of Muskegon, MI and their children Morgan and her daughter Torrence, Mitchell, and Alex; and Jason (Staci) Boeck of Freeport and their daughter Olivia; and brother, Jack (Fran) Blask of Freeport. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy; and sister, Junie.
A visitation will be held Friday, December 30th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Walker Mortuary in Freeport. The funeral service will be Saturday, December 31st at 10:00 am also at Walker Mortuary. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for ALS Research. Condolences may be shared with his family at www.walkermortuary.com.